hoarding orientation

in the existential psychoanalysis of Erich Fromm, a character pattern in which the individual doubts that personal needs can ever be completely satisfied and bases his or her sense of security on what he or she can save and own. The character is thought to be rigid, stubborn, and obsessively orderly. Also called hoarding character. See also anal personality. Compare exploitative orientation; marketing orientation.

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Psychology term of the day

May 8th 2024

divergent thinking

creative thinking in which an individual solves a problem or reaches a decision using strategies that deviate from commonly used or previously taught strategies. This term is often used synonymously with lateral thinking. Compare convergent thinking. [defined in 1967 by Joy Paul Guilford]